WHEN I first moved to the UK 20 years ago, I was told to select a football team. Being a rugby fan, I didn’t have a clue and chose Chelsea because my favourite colour is blue and it was the name of my nearest beach at home in Australia. I’ve been raised in a sports-mad country and, though absolutely rubbish at sport myself, the atmosphere of a live sporting event is thrilling. At Southend Full Council, I spoke about the importance of the proposals for Fossetts Farm being developed alongside social housing. What I didn’t speak about is how much I’ve learned about football and how it can engender civic pride and a sense of identity for supporters and residents.